South Dakota
Experience Native American Culture

Explore beautiful South Dakota by visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Badlands, Custer State Park, and the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. From iconic monuments and breathtaking landscapes to gaining a deeper understanding of Native American culture and history, this journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Eli Gross, Arlington, TX

“A life-changing experience. I learned about the history and needs of the Cheyenne River Reservation and saw the incredible impact the YMCA Seven Council Fires has on the community. Working hand-in-hand with the people there was the most rewarding part, and I will remain engaged with this community because of it.”

Learning and interacting with...

Community Members

We work alongside YMCA leaders and volunteers on the Cheyenne River Reservation to expand and improve housing for women escaping domestic violence and their families, while also supporting other important projects across the reservation, including at YMCA Camp Marrowbone.

These efforts create spaces of safety and new beginnings while building meaningful connections within the community.

Learning and interacting with...

School Children

Our YMCA partners with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires to support youth development across the reservation. Volunteers engage with children in afterschool programs, share meals in the reservation dining hall, and visit elementary schools in some of the most remote areas.

These interactions go beyond activities—they build confidence, spark curiosity, and create genuine connections.

Learning and interacting with...

YMCA Staff & Volunteers

Working with YMCA of the Seven Council Fires staff and volunteers is an incredibly welcoming and inspiring experience. Their deep commitment to community service and youth empowerment is evident in everything they do.

Many participants say this is the most meaningful part of the trip, as we build strong partnerships that transcend language and culture, creating lasting impact and lifelong friendships.

Destinations & Excursions

Prepare to fully experience and better understand our nation's history

South Dakota's sweeping prairies and majestic Black Hills provide a stunning backdrop that captures the untamed beauty of the American West.

These landscapes played a pivotal role in the Oscar-winning film Dances with Wolves, showcasing the region's vast grasslands, serene sunsets, and cultural significance, particularly to the Lakota Sioux, whose stories were central to the film’s narrative.

Native American Reservation

Cheyenne River

A visit to the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires offers a unique opportunity to engage with Native American traditions, values, and community in an authentic setting.

Through storytelling with local leaders, participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history, resilience, and culture of the Native American people.

Western Region

Black Hills

The Black Hills feature pine forests, granite peaks, and iconic landmarks like Custer State Park's Needles Highway and serene Sylvan Lake Lodge.

The area also boasts scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and a rich Native American cultural significance, making it a perfect memorable blend of adventure and tranquility.

Western Region

The Badlands

The Badlands of South Dakota feature dramatic landscapes of eroded cliffs, colorful canyons, and rugged terrain shaped by millions of years of natural forces.

This unique national park is home to diverse wildlife, scenic trails, breathtaking views, and some of the richest fossil beds in the United States.

Western Region

Mt. Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is an iconic monument in South Dakota featuring the 60-foot carved faces of four U.S. presidents, which for non-Indigenous peoples symbolize the nation’s ideals of democracy.

However, the area also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Native American tribes, adding layers of complexity to its history.

Western Region

Crazy Horse

The Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota is a massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and Native American heritage.

Still under construction, it features a visitor center, museum, and cultural programs, making it a powerful tribute to Indigenous history and resilience.

Western Region

Wall Drug

Wall Drug, located in Wall, South Dakota, is a quirky roadside attraction famous for its free ice water, homemade donuts, and unique Western-themed shops.

Originally a small pharmacy, it has grown into a sprawling tourist destination offering everything from souvenirs to photo ops with giant jackalope statues.

Trip Schedule

Day 1 - Arrive Rapid City, Stay at Reservation
Day 2 - Indian Reservation Orientation & Tour
Day 3 - Service Project & Community Engagement
Day 4 - Service Project & Community Engagement
Day 5 - Rapid City, Wall Drug & Badlands
Day 6 - Sylvan Lake Lodge, Custard & Needles Hwy.

Day 7 - Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Hill City

Day 8 - Depart

Cory Brazeal - Trip Leader

Hello! My name is Cory Brazeal, and I’ve had the privilege of leading several incredible YMCA Global Engagement trips — including my favorite, to the sovereign Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota!

It’s truly a meaningful experience — you’ve never seen America in this way before. The people, the culture, and the landscape make it unforgettable.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me using the link below. Thank you!

Email Me!

Mariah McLellan - Trip Leader

Háŋ! Greetings from the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in beautiful South Dakota! My name is Mariah McLellan, a member of the Lakota Nation and Program Director at the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires in Dupree.

I enjoy working with the Global Engagement program because visitors can experience our culture and life on the reservation while taking part in service projects that truly support our community. It’s a meaningful experience—you’ve never seen America quite like this. The people, culture, and landscape make it unforgettable.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me using the link below. Thank you!

Email Me!

$75*
a month

The monthly payment plan is calculated with a 10% administrative fee added to the total cost, with 20% of the total due at the time of registration. The remaining balance, including the administrative fee, will be divided into equal monthly payments over a 12-month period.

LEARN MORE

Global Engagement Trips

South Dakota
Experience Native American Culture

Global Engagement Trip- South Dakota

Destinations & Excursions

Cheyenne River

Black Hills

The Badlands

Mt. Rushmore

Crazy Horse

Wall Drug

Cory Brazeal - Trip Leader

Mariah McLellan - Trip Leader

$75*
a month

South Dakota Experience Native American Culture

Global Engagement Trip- South Dakota

Destinations & Excursions

Cheyenne River

Black Hills

The Badlands

Mt. Rushmore

Crazy Horse

Wall Drug

Cory Brazeal - Trip Leader

Mariah McLellan - Trip Leader

$75* a month

South Dakota
Experience Native American Culture

$75*
a month